Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano walks across the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano walks across the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks away from Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) leaps past Houston Texans strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) as he is knocked out of bounds during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) leaps past Houston Texans strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) as he is knocked out of bounds during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) leaps past Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks an extra point past Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31,

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks away from Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) breaks away from Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien makes a call fropm the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien makes a call fropm the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) and inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans defensive coordinator stands on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) lies on the ground after a incomplete pass from T.J. Yates during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) lies on the ground after a incomplete pass from T.J. Yates during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium

Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) breaks up a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) breaks up a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past Indianapolis Colts defensive back Kenny Moore (42) for a first down during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs past Indianapolis Colts defensive back Kenny Moore (42) for a first down during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec.

Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is stopped by Indianapolis Colts free safety Clayton Geathers (26) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017,

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field following the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien stands on the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien stands on the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. (

Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Chester Rogers (80) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday,

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field following the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) gets rid of the ball as he is hit by Houston Texans defensive tackle Angelo Blackson (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) gets rid of the ball as he is hit by Houston Texans defensive tackle Angelo Blackson (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field following the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. ( Brett Coomer

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) jogs off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) jogs off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) and inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) and inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks up the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks up the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) runs into Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) as he is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) runs into Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) as he is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 32 of 71

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) stops Houston Texans tight end Stephen Anderson (89) for a short gain during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) stops Houston Texans tight end Stephen Anderson (89) for a short gain during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans fullback Jay Prosch (45) is stopped short of the goal line by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (52) and safety T.J. Green during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans fullback Jay Prosch (45) is stopped short of the goal line by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (52) and safety T.J. Green during the second quarter of an NFL football game ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal (29) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes to running back Alfred Blue (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes to running back Alfred Blue (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) breaks away from Houston Texans defensive end Joel Heath (93) as he passes during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) breaks away from Houston Texans defensive end Joel Heath (93) as he passes during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) throws a pass with Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (93) giving chase during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) throws a pass with Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (93) giving chase during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks off the field after the Texans 22-13 season-ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 71

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himself up off the turf after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himself up off the turf after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) lies on the turf after he was sacked for a safety as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (44),
defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) and defensive tackle Joey Mbu (94) celebrate during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is picked up off the turn by running back Lamar Miller (26) after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is picked up off the turn by running back Lamar Miller (26) after he was sacked for a safety during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) raises his fist after making a 54-yard field goal against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) raises his fist after making a 54-yard field goal against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himsleft p off the turf after he was sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) picks himsleft p off the turf after he was sacked for a safety by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tarell Basham (58) as he throws for an incomplete pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tarell Basham (58) as he throws for an incomplete pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) and Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) get into an altercation during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) and Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) get into an altercation during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) runs between Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) runs between Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 53 of 71

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) knocks Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) out of bounds during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) stops Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) stops Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) as he is forced out of the pocket during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) as he is forced out of the pocket during the first quarter of an NFL football game at ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks past Indianapolis Colts free safety Clayton Geathers (26) for a first down run during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks past Indianapolis Colts free safety Clayton Geathers (26) for a first down run during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks past quarterback T.J. Yates (2) before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks past quarterback T.J. Yates (2) before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates throws the football while warming up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates throws the football while warming up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano shake hands before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, left, talks to Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, left, talks to Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans COO Cal McNair, left, and head coach Bill O'Brien watch the Texans warm up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis. less

Houston Texans COO Cal McNair, left, and head coach Bill O'Brien watch the Texans warm up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, left, and Texans COO Cal McNair talk before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith, left, and Texans COO Cal McNair talk before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith and Texans COO Cal McNair watch the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith and Texans COO Cal McNair watch the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith watches the end of the Texans 22-13 season ending loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Indianapolis.

In 16 seasons, Bob McNair's Texans have finished first four times and last eight times.

In 16 seasons, Bob McNair's Texans have finished first four times and last eight times.

Photo: Karen Warren, Staff

Don't count on Texans getting key hire right

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Back to Gallery

The first time I broached the subject of Rick Smith's removal as general manager of the Texans was after the 2010 season.

Well, seven years later, he is stepping down, albeit under unfortunate circumstances, as he is taking a leave of absence to tend to family matters as his wife Tiffany recovers from breast cancer treatment.

One would think that after 16 years of watching other teams get it right, McNair would now have a better understanding of what it takes to win in the NFL.

He has definitely learned the business lessons from the likes of Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones. The Houston Texans franchise is stable and profitable.

On the field, however, the team has spent more time at the bottom of the standings than the top - four first-place finishes, eight last-place finishes - with its overall NFL standing somewhere in the middle.

McNair says he isn't happy about that, but his actions say otherwise.

How else would Smith, who has been average to somewhat good as a general manager, have lasted 12 seasons? Not only did he last that long, but he says he plans to be back as an executive vice president in a year, holding a title that presumably would rank above whomever McNair hires as general manager in the next couple of weeks.

Were McNair truly concerned about moving up from the Texans' middle-of-the-road status, he wouldn't be looking at hiring a first-time general manager.

Yes, there is a chance a rookie GM could come in and light the world on fire, but more likely the new kid on the block would stumble early on when charged with making decisions for the first time.

Window to contend

The Texans are in a position where early mistakes could cost championship potential.

This isn't the ragged, learn-on-the-job bunch that Smith and coach Gary Kubiak took over when they were both rookies in 2006.

The Texans are a good general manager and a good head coach from being a championship contender in two years.

Is some assistant to the assistant with the Patriots really ready to lift this franchise to greatness?

Oh, it is possible some of Bill Belichick's genius has rubbed off on an underling. But does McNair's track record suggest he knows how to make a touchdown hire?

If McNair goes rummaging through the Patriots organization, is he more likely to come away with Scott Pioli or Thomas Dimitroff?

McNair is about to make a mistake by extending Bill O'Brien's contract when he doesn't have to. McNair has made so many mistakes as an owner that it would be unfair to his other blunders to describe this as his worst decision.

Look, O'Brien has proved to be an adequate head coach in his four seasons with the Texans. (If he ever learns how to manage the clock and timeouts, he would move from adequate to decent overnight.)

Wrong nickname?

If adequate is good enough, why didn't McNair name the team the Middlings? Or the Unexceptionals?

I said the same thing back in 2009, when Kubiak was 31-33 after four adequate years and got a contract extension. But Kubiak took over a team that won two games the year before because it wasn't good enough to win three.

O'Brien also has managed to go 31-33 in his first four years with the Texans. He took over a playoff-caliber team and has coached it down to mediocrity.

The Detroit Lions just finished a 9-7 season, giving Jim Caldwell a 36-28 record (five wins more than O'Brien), with two playoff appearances (the same as O'Brien in a much tougher division) in four seasons. He was fired Monday.

Have you noticed how many analysts say the Colts' Chuck Pagano, who also is out of work, should have long ago been fired? He just finished a dismal 4-12 season, with half the wins coming over O'Brien's Texans.

Pagano, who has been without Andrew Luck for 26 games in the past three seasons, leaves the Colts with a 53-43 record. O'Brien will have to go 11-5 the next two seasons to match that.

Is he capable?

There is a large contingent of Texans fans that has no problem buying tickets to see one of the least entertaining products in the NFL. Every seat has been sold for 16 years and counting.

Willingly signing up to watch more of O'Brien's Texans requires a strange faith. Good for you.

How can you be sold on the six-week dream of spectacular play by Deshaun Watson - a stretch during which O'Brien blew two games with horrid late-game coaching decisions - when there were 58 other weeks of pitiful Texans offensive football under O'Brien? (OK, 57. I believe Ryan Fitzpatrick had some crazy game in which he threw for six TDs.)

9-7 unspectacular

Before this year's collapse, O'Brien's Texans went 9-7 three years in a row, which is hardly something to brag about, though that hasn't kept O'Brien from bragging.

This is a good spot to mention that were it not for Romeo Crennel as the defensive coordinator, O'Brien wouldn't have anything to brag about.

O'Brien changed defensive coordinators this year, and the Texans gave up more points than any other team in the league.

What about injuries, Jerome?

Good question. Without any injuries, I have no doubt the Texans could have won a few more games this season. Still, they would have had to get lucky to finish 9-7 again. O'Brien's wheelhouse.

Clearly that's good enough for McNair (and a host of Texans fans).

Since that's the case, he could have named his team the Houston Mediocres.

That wouldn't have been good for business. Can you imagine the difficulty in selling those Mediocre team jerseys?